Though winter is holding on with a vice-like grip, the DNR is reminding those with ice shacks that it's not long until they need to be removed from lakes and rivers.

DNR Conservation Warden Tom Van Haren says the middle of March is a key time to remember....

"....for most waters, there's a north-south line in the state...Highway 64 is the dividing line. If you're north of the Highway 64 line then you have to have your permanent shelters removed beginning the first Sunday afte March 12 each year.....

Fatter-tired bikes are popping up on winter recreational trails and a DNR spokesperson says to keep in mind legalities and safety.

The bikes have ultra-wide tires for traction. Brigit Brown, state trails coordinator for the DNR, says this has led to concern over potential collisions between snowmobilers and the slower bikes. Brown says on the bikes are legal on state-owned linear trails, but can't operate on snowmobile trails not owned by the state...

The state Natural Resources Board voted unanimously in favor of key provisions to change the state's hunting culture -- changes drafted by Texas researcher James Kroll. One key provision eliminates in-person deer registrations at places like bars and gas stations, in favor of online and phone registrations.. Other changes include a reduction in deer management units, the creation of county committees to advise state wildlife experts on deer population goals.

With the World Championship Snowmobile Derby ending Sunday in Eagle River, many enthusiasts are in the Northwoods to enjoy some of the best snowmobiling in years. This is also International Snowmobile Safety Week.

"....some of the traditional complaints we have out there when it is busy are snowmobilers cutting corners, not staying on the right side of the trail, speeding and just overall reckless operation...."

Anglers are asked to go to the DNR website and fill out a form on what waters they should consider for stocking under the new "Wisconsin Walleye Initiative".

The state has spent $8.2 million for infrastructure improvements and $1.3 million each year for annual operating costs to expand production at DNR state fish hatcheries. Production is projected to increase 60,000 to 120,000 large walleye fingerlings to well over 500,000 by 2016. The young walleye will be larger than previously in the hope of having more survivability to adulthood.

One Wisconsin wolf hunt zone remains open and a top DNR official says no incidents have been reported.

As of today, 213 wolves have been taken in six zones from a maximum quota of 251. Only Zone 3, which includes portions of Price and Taylor counties, is still open. In that zone, 31 animals were taken from a quota of 71.

Saying he's the eyes and ears in this region for the state DNR Secretary, the Northern Region Director held office hours in Tomahawk. He says they will be doing more of this type of interaction with the public.

John Gozdzialski met with the public at Tomahawk city hall. He says city of Tomahawk officials talked about what they needed in upcoming projects, but also heard from other members of the public...

Statewide, three hunters have died this year after they fell out of treestands. A DNR leader says most injuries and fatalities are preventable.

Jon King is DNR Hunter Education Administrator. He says for a purchased stand, take the time to read all the directions. He says setting it up alone is not advised...

"....we encouraging using the buddy system. Take somebody with you while you do this. When you're climbing in a tree stand and it's not attached to the tree, it could fall over on you and end up injuring you...."

The DNR is sponsoring a listening session this month on the future direction of the 4,800 acre Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area in Vilas county.

DNR Regional Program Manager Mike Zeckmeister says the the process of revising the master plan for the area near Manitowish Waters began in August. A meeting was held at the Manitowish Waters town hall. He says they decided to do a second meeting...